In a match that was end to end, FC Goa beat Chennaiyin FC 1-0 credit to a breathtaking effort from Jorge Ortiz Mendoza. A tie involving the Gaurs and the Marina Machans has previously ensured a number of goals but this time it was just the one.
In the 82nd minute, Ortiz looped in a mesmerizing effort that left the keeper glued to the spot. The result disallows the Marina Machans from breaking into the top 4 in the standings.
FC Goa 1-0 Chennaiyin FC: The Game
As the match kicked off, both teams eased themselves into it before getting on the attack. Beginning with gritty physical play, Edwin Vanspaul saw an early yellow. 18 minutes in and Jorge Ortiz was afforded the first real opportunity. However, Debjit Majumder was swift to close the space and made a valiant save. Making his debut, youngster Anwar Ali nodded wide after 35 minutes.
As the minutes ticked on, Goa began to control more and more of the ball and came closer and closer to netting an opener. A cheeky long-ranger from Glan Martins made Majumder stretch for a save, though Ortiz turned in the rebound wide. With each attack, the Gaurs grew more confident but were unable to breach the water-tight Chennaiyin backline.
Both sides went down the tunnel on level terms. Goa had a close call when Anwar Ali appeared to have handled the ball in his own penalty area following a lofted cross.
Chennaiyin too came through a scare when Jorge Ortiz seemingly had his shirt pulled in their box. Goa’s Edu Bedia came close to bagging another Olympico when a well-taken corner kick came off the post. Minutes later, the midfielder found himself in the book after a risky challenge on Nerijus Valskis.
Germanpreet Singh came on to replace Vladimir Koman who suffered an injury. Nearing 60 minutes, it was one-sided as the Gaurs totally controlled the ball and create the majority of chances.
In the 75th minute, Naveen Kumar swooped into action to make an important save from a Mirlan Murzaev effort. But, Jorge Ortiz produced a brilliant piece of magic to put FC Goa ahead and steal the show. Creating an inch of space, the striker unleashed an exquisite left-footed strike from far out which left the keeper dumbfounded and rooted to the spot.
Next up, Chennaiyin FC and Hyderabad FC will lock horns at the PJN Stadium. Meanwhile, FC Goa will face NorthEast United at the Athletic Stadium.
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